The last thing the Texans needed was to lose one of their top defensive backs before they visit the New England Patriots, the highest-scoring team in the NFL.

McCain has been designated to return from injured reserve, but he’ll have to miss eight weeks. Under the new rule this season, each team can designate one player to return, but he has to miss six weeks and then practice for two weeks before being activated. That means the earliest McCain could return would be the Super Bowl.

McCain has been outstanding the last two seasons, mostly covering slot receivers. He’ll be replaced as the inside corner by Brandon Harris, a second-round pick last year who got his most extensive time in Sunday’s 24-10 victory at Tennessee.

McCain started opposite Kareem Jackson against the Titans. Because Johnathan Joseph and Alan Ball were sidelined with injuries, Harris and Roc Carmichael, another second-year cornerback, played more than anytime in their two seasons.

Kubiak is hoping to get back Joseph and Ball for the New England game.

Joseph is the Texans’ Pro Bowl cornerback who covers the opponent’s best receiver.

“Brandon has been chomping at the bit to play, and his playing time went from zero to 50 in one game,” Kubiak said. “I like what I saw. He’s very confident. It’ll help, of course, if we continue to get the same kind of pass rush.”

The Texans had six sacks and forced six turnovers at Tennessee.

The difference is that they went against Jake Locker a week before they’ll play Tom Brady in a nationally televised prime-time game.

Kubiak said he’s hopeful the other injured players who missed the Tennessee game – right tackle Derek Newton, right guard Antoine Caldwell and inside linebacker Bradie James – will be healthy enough to play against the Patriots.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Arian Foster blows a kiss to the hostile crowd after scoring a touchdown.

Texans running back Arian Foster blows a kiss to the hostile crowd after scoring a touchdown.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Quintin Demps puts a hard hit on Titans receiver Nate Washington, knocking a pass away to be intercepted by Darryl Sharpton in the fourth quarter.

Quintin Demps puts a hard hit on Titans receiver Nate Washington, knocking a pass away to be intercepted by Darryl Sharpton in the fourth quarter.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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While attempting to return an interception for a touchdown, Texans linebacker Tim Dobbins is upended by Titans quarterback Jake Locker.

While attempting to return an interception for a touchdown, Texans linebacker Tim Dobbins is upended by Titans quarterback Jake Locker.